Load OK for Blackhawk?

sandbag · February 16, 2009, 12:46 PM

I have a New Model Blackhawk 4 5/8" convertible(45LC/45ACP).I ordered a few hundred rounds of Georgia Arms ammo-260gr/1200fps JHP.I notice Buffalo Bore has a hotter loading they say is OK in Blackhawks,so I assume this is.I just wonder if there are any different opinions here.

Gun 4 Fun · February 16, 2009, 01:09 PM

I don't know what powder or charge weight they use, but 1200 FPS isn't near a max load fora Blackhawk. I regularly shot 1400 FPS loads out of my 5.5" Blackhawk when I had it. The loads I used were listed in several reputable sources. Check out Hodgdens website for load data for the Blackhawk. That is a strong gun.

Everyone thinks that loads like that are too hot for the .45. That's far from true. Most loads for the .45 are kept really light in case one is touched off in an older design gun or an old antique type of weapon.

Your Blackhwak will eat those loads you list for breakfast, and come back hungry.

Jimbo-Indy · February 16, 2009, 01:15 PM

Blackhawks are one of the strongest revolvers made. I doubt if Buffalo Bore would offer anything that was known to be too hot for a Blackhawk. About the only thing in 45 that would be stronger would be a Freedom Arms or Syper Redhawk. I had an old model (3 screw) Blackhawk in 45 Colt that I used to load to super hot levels and never had any problems. The new models are equally as strong, just the addition of the transfer bar safety device. BUT, remember that the Vaquero is not the same as the Blackhawk. There may be some loads that are to hot for the Vaquero.

Gun 4 Fun · February 16, 2009, 01:48 PM

The original Vaquero is exactly the same gun, only it comes with fixed sights. The New Vaquero is definately smaller and not as strong though.

Daryl · February 16, 2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

BUT, remember that the Vaquero is not the same as the Blackhawk. There may be some loads that are to hot for the Vaquero.

Actually, the NEW Vaquero is not the same. The Vaquero is made with the same frame size as the NM Blackhawk, and will handle the same loads.

I load mine (.45 Colt (original) Vaquero) with 300 grain bullets pushed to 1300+ fps without any trouble at all. I've pushed hardcast 250 grain RNFP's to over 1400 fps in my Vaquero with no trouble.

The ammo asked about should be very safe in the OP's Blackhawk.

Daryl

sandbag · February 16, 2009, 04:01 PM

I appreciate the input.I have mostly shot cowboy level loads.I have a New Vaquero and am very aware that it's built more along the lines of an SAA.I have a USFA SAA also and wouldn't shoot anything hot through it.
I have an old Vaquero in .44 Magnum and I've shot all kinds of hot rounds through it without a burp,but then we're talking about a 44 Mag,a whole different animal.

Daryl · February 16, 2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

appreciate the input.I have mostly shot cowboy level loads.I have a New Vaquero and am very aware that it's built more along the lines of an SAA.I have a USFA SAA also and wouldn't shoot anything hot through it.
I have an old Vaquero in .44 Magnum and I've shot all kinds of hot rounds through it without a burp,but then we're talking about a 44 Mag,a whole different animal.

No, not really that different of an animal. The .45 Colt, in the right handgun, will do just about anything the .44 mag will.

And maybe even do it better.

I can tell you, there's nothing I'd hunt with a .44 mag that I wouldn't hunt and be just as or more confident with a heavy loaded Ruger SA in .45 Colt.

Daryl

sandbag · February 16, 2009, 04:53 PM

talking about the handguns,not the rounds.There are no really "weak" .44 Magnum revolvers just due to the pressure requirements.
The SAA's and even S&W 25's can't equal a Blackhawk for strength.

Gun 4 Fun · February 16, 2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandbag

The SAA's and even S&W 25's can't equal a Blackhawk for strength.

Tht's true. But not by as much as you'd think, at least not where the Smith is concerned. Check out this link to a man that is probably the worlds foremost authority on the .45 Colt and the guns that fire it. This link is direct to the page I want you to read. Scroll about 3/4 of the way down and watch for the section about Smith's .45 Colt guns.

http://www.customsixguns.com/writing...ht_bullets.htm

Daryl · February 16, 2009, 08:07 PM

Thanks Gun 4 Fun. I've read that article several times before, and still enjoy it.

The Smith & Wesson information is about the last on the page, but it's worth reading the whole article.

Daryl

Gun 4 Fun · February 16, 2009, 09:38 PM

Yea, his whole writings section is worth reading and will keep you entertained for hours. I've experienced similar findings in my own experiments. The Blackhawk is for sure stronger, but the Smith 25's will do way more than they're given credit for.

February 16, 2009, 12:46 PM	#1
sandbag Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2008 Posts: 642	Load OK for Blackhawk? I have a New Model Blackhawk 4 5/8" convertible(45LC/45ACP).I ordered a few hundred rounds of Georgia Arms ammo-260gr/1200fps JHP.I notice Buffalo Bore has a hotter loading they say is OK in Blackhawks,so I assume this is.I just wonder if there are any different opinions here.

February 16, 2009, 04:01 PM	#6
sandbag Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2008 Posts: 642	Thanks All I appreciate the input.I have mostly shot cowboy level loads.I have a New Vaquero and am very aware that it's built more along the lines of an SAA.I have a USFA SAA also and wouldn't shoot anything hot through it. I have an old Vaquero in .44 Magnum and I've shot all kinds of hot rounds through it without a burp,but then we're talking about a 44 Mag,a whole different animal.

February 16, 2009, 04:53 PM	#8
sandbag Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2008 Posts: 642	I was talking about the handguns,not the rounds.There are no really "weak" .44 Magnum revolvers just due to the pressure requirements. The SAA's and even S&W 25's can't equal a Blackhawk for strength.

February 16, 2009, 01:09 PM	#2
Gun 4 Fun Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2008 Posts: 956	I don't know what powder or charge weight they use, but 1200 FPS isn't near a max load fora Blackhawk. I regularly shot 1400 FPS loads out of my 5.5" Blackhawk when I had it. The loads I used were listed in several reputable sources. Check out Hodgdens website for load data for the Blackhawk. That is a strong gun. Everyone thinks that loads like that are too hot for the .45. That's far from true. Most loads for the .45 are kept really light in case one is touched off in an older design gun or an old antique type of weapon. Your Blackhwak will eat those loads you list for breakfast, and come back hungry.

February 16, 2009, 01:15 PM	#3
Jimbo-Indy Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2008 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 334	Blackhawks are one of the strongest revolvers made. I doubt if Buffalo Bore would offer anything that was known to be too hot for a Blackhawk. About the only thing in 45 that would be stronger would be a Freedom Arms or Syper Redhawk. I had an old model (3 screw) Blackhawk in 45 Colt that I used to load to super hot levels and never had any problems. The new models are equally as strong, just the addition of the transfer bar safety device. BUT, remember that the Vaquero is not the same as the Blackhawk. There may be some loads that are to hot for the Vaquero.

February 16, 2009, 01:48 PM	#4
Gun 4 Fun Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2008 Posts: 956	The original Vaquero is exactly the same gun, only it comes with fixed sights. The New Vaquero is definately smaller and not as strong though.

February 16, 2009, 08:07 PM	#10
Daryl Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 2,350	Thanks Gun 4 Fun. I've read that article several times before, and still enjoy it. The Smith & Wesson information is about the last on the page, but it's worth reading the whole article. Daryl

February 16, 2009, 09:38 PM	#11
Gun 4 Fun Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2008 Posts: 956	Yea, his whole writings section is worth reading and will keep you entertained for hours. I've experienced similar findings in my own experiments. The Blackhawk is for sure stronger, but the Smith 25's will do way more than they're given credit for.